Importance

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Abstract

A separator for a vacuum loading system is located in a flow path of an air/particulate mixture between a loading system and a vacuum pump, the vacuum pump drawing the air/particulate mixture from the loading system through a liquid chamber to trap particulate matter in a liquid while the air in the air/particulate mixture is drawn through the liquid and into an air chamber for return to the vacuum pump. The separator also includes a level detection device within the reservoir for detecting a predetermined level of the liquid in the reservoir and outputting an inlet signal when the actual liquid level is less than the predetermined level; a drain valve in the liquid chamber of the reservoir for selectively draining the liquid filter from the reservoir; an inlet operatively communicating with the level detecting device for introducing the liquid into the reservoir in response to detection of the inlet signal; and a vacuum cutoff operatively communicating with the level detection device for disabling the vacuum pump in response to detection of the inlet signal. A control periodically opens the drain valve for a predetermined time period to drain the liquid from the reservoir. The draining actuates the level detection device to output the inlet signal to open the inlet and activate the vacuum cutoff. The drain valve opens upon completion of the predetermined time period. The vacuum is restarted and the inlet closes when the actual liquid level returns to the predetermined level.

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First Claim